Take Care Fossil Hunting Near Cliffs

It is the time of year in the UK when many families take to the seaside for a holiday and many of them will visit various coastal locations and indulge in a bit of fossil hunting.  Finding fossils on the beach can be a lot of fun.  It can certainly occupy and entertain the little ones and who knows, it might lead on to fossil collecting becoming a life time hobby.  However, we at Everything Dinosaur would like to take this opportunity to warn would-be fossil hunters of the dangers of getting too close to cliffs.

Fossil Collecting

Land Slips and Rock Falls are Common Around Britain’s Coasts

Rock fall onto the Ammonite Pavement on Monmouth Beach.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Dangerous Cliffs

The picture above shows a recent rock fall on Monmouth Beach which is located just to the west of the historic town of Lyme Regis on England’s famous “Jurassic Coast”.  Finding fossils on the beach can be a lot of fun but remember to stay away from the cliffs.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“It can be all too tempting to explore a cliff face looking for fossils, we have witnessed many such occasions when people have ignored sign posts and clambered onto the cliffs or explored a recent rock fall.   Sadly, we have had to report in our blog a number of fatalities as a result of people getting caught in landslides and rock falls.”

The Fossil Collecting Code

Families would be well advised to take part in an organised fossil walk.  Local knowledge and expertise would be on hand to help visitors to make the most of an afternoon exploring our country’s prehistoric heritage.  At Lyme Regis there are a number of organised walks and tours, for further details: Lyme Regis Fossil Walks.

Hunting for Fossils is a Great Summer Time Activity for Families

Fossils can still be found on the shore.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To read Everything Dinosaur’s helpful hints and tips with regards to safe fossil hunting: The Fossil Collecting Code – Hints and Tips.

We urge everyone to take care when visiting beaches with high cliffs, it is best to stay well away from them and we also wish everyone who goes fossil hunting every success, here’s hoping you find some amazing fossils.

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Everything Dinosaur.